Is a Cortisone Shot in the Shoulder Worth It?

Yes, a cortisone injection often provides quick relief by reducing inflammation and easing shoulder pain. It targets the irritated tissues within the shoulder joint, restores flexibility, and improves overall shoulder function. However, the benefits usually last only a few weeks to months, and repeated injections can lead to cartilage damage.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we carefully review your health history, medications, and immune response to confirm whether a cortisone shot is the best option for your condition. Once confirmed, our specialists administer the injection with precision to target the inflamed area. After the procedure, we also guide your recovery through a personalized plan focused on restoring strength and mobility. Contact us today at 855-321-6784 to schedule an appointment.

What Is the Success Rate of Cortisone Shots For Shoulder Pain?

Cortisone shots relieve shoulder pain in about 50% to 95% of cases. Many patients notice a significant improvement in pain relief and range of motion within days of the injection. However, this relief is often temporary, and evidence for long-term improvement is limited. The outcome can also depend on the underlying shoulder condition, diagnostic accuracy, and precision of the injection.

Here are some evidence-based outcomes of cortisone injections for different shoulder conditions:

Muscle Strain and Sprain

Cortisone injections are highly effective for treating muscle strains and ligament sprains, especially for athletes who need to return to activity quickly. According to research published in the HSS Journal, 100% of players who received a steroid shot recovered fully. It also shows that more than half of the players missed no games after receiving cortisone shots. With no reported side effects, this anti-inflammatory injection is considered a safe option for managing acute injuries.

Rotator Cuff Disease

For rotator cuff injuries, shoulder cortisone injections offer inconsistent outcomes. According to NIH research, about 60% of patients experience pain and swelling reduction and better mobility after a shoulder steroid injection, while 40% may eventually require surgery or other treatments. The findings also show that men had a higher success rate of 76.2% compared to 45% in women.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

In cases of rotator cuff tendinopathy, steroid injections offer only mild and temporary improvement. In fact, a NIH meta-analysis shows pain relief within 4 to 8 weeks, with no long-term benefits. It shows that repeated injections don’t improve outcomes and may increase the risk of tendon weakening or cartilage damage. Due to these serious side effects, these shots are only effective when combined with a home exercise program or other medications.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Cortisone Injection In The Shoulder?

You may benefit from a shoulder cortisone injection if your shoulder pain is caused by inflammation and hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like rest, exercise, or medication. In these cases, the injection helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore function in the shoulder joint. You may also benefit if you’re dealing with a frozen shoulder, a rotator cuff injury, or impingement syndrome that continues to restrict movement.

Can Repeated Cortisone Injections Affect Shoulder Joint Cartilage Health?

Yes, repeated cortisone injections can cause damage to the cartilage in your shoulder joint. The Radiological Society of North America reports that frequent use can accelerate cartilage degeneration, while increasing the risk of arthritis and other shoulder problems. This frequent use of cortisone shots can also lead to complications such as:

• Tendon Weakening and Rupture: Frequent joint injections can reduce collagen production, which makes the tendons weak and prone to partial tears.
• Systemic Side Effects: Repeated exposure may increase blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Each cortisone injection increases the risk of infection in the shoulder joint.
• Adrenal Suppression: Since cortisone is a type of steroid, overuse can disrupt the natural balance of hormones.

When Can You Resume Work After a Cortisone Shot in the Shoulder?

You can usually return to your normal activities 24 to 48 hours after a cortisone shot in your shoulder. However, you should avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or intense workouts for about 5 to 7 days to protect your shoulder joint. This short recovery period helps the injection work more effectively and promotes proper joint recovery.

Can You Combine Cortisone Shots With Other Shoulder Treatments?

Yes, you can combine cortisone shots with other treatments to enhance recovery and achieve better long-term results. Research published in the World Journal of Orthopedics shows that cortisone injections, combined with guided movement training, reduce pain and improve range of motion for up to three months. This combination works well because cortisone helps reduce inflammation, while movement-based therapy targets the underlying problem.

You may also combine cortisone injections with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to support tissue healing and joint stability. This approach is often used to treat chronic conditions, such as early arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, or tears associated with tight, fluid-filled sacs. However, you should always consult your doctor before any injection, especially if you have autoimmune diseases.

Which Activities Should You Avoid After a Cortisone Shot?

You should avoid running, jumping, heavy lifting, and high-intensity workouts for several weeks after a cortisone shot. These activities can increase pressure on the injection site and slow down the healing process. Resting your shoulder joint during this time allows the cortisone to work effectively.

Additionally, you should limit these activities for a few days:

• Contact sports or exercise after a cortisone injection in the shoulder

• Repetitive motions like throwing or overhead reaching
• Hot tubs or baths that may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction
• Heavy tasks that overwork the joint or surrounding muscles

What Are The Side Effects Of Cortisone Shots In The Shoulder?

You may experience temporary pain, facial flushing, skin thinning, or an increase in blood sugar level after a cortisone shot. You may also experience a short-term steroid flare, which can temporarily increase discomfort before the cortisone begins to provide relief. In some cases, repeated injections with oral steroids can also weaken your immune system. Although these effects are usually temporary, the National Health Service (NHS) reports that cortisone shots can cause more significant side effects, including:

• Fluid retention or throbbing in the arms or legs
• Changes in eyesight or blurred vision
• Breathlessness or chest discomfort
• Puffy, rounded face (from steroid use)
• Signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or mouth
• Diabetes-related symptoms like extreme thirst or fruity-smelling breath

If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving a cortisone injection, contact a healthcare professional immediately. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained doctors specialize in advanced orthopedic and sports medicine care to manage side effects effectively. We carefully assess your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan to protect your overall health. You can use our secure online patient portal to schedule appointments and access medical records.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Cortisone Shots for Shoulder Pain?

You can use Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, Prolotherapy, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections, and Amniotic-Derived Cell Therapy for shoulder pain relief. These treatments focus on healing the root cause of pain rather than providing only short-term relief. They also help repair tissue, improve joint function, and reduce discomfort in chronic conditions.

Here are some advanced and supportive treatments for managing shoulder pain:

• A2M Injections: A natural option injected directly into the joint to capture destructive enzymes and slow cartilage breakdown.
• Hydrodilatation: This therapy stretches the joint capsule using saline and anesthetic, and is especially useful for inflammatory conditions.
• Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB): It blocks pain signals in your shoulder and can provide quick relief if you cannot tolerate cortisone injections.
• Topical Medications: Creams or gels with menthol or capsaicin can ease shoulder soreness.
• Physical Modalities: Techniques such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation enhance blood flow.

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Offers Safe and Effective Cortisone Injections for Shoulder Pain — Visit Us Now!

Choosing the right treatment for shoulder pain can be difficult, especially when the root cause of your pain isn’t fully diagnosed. You might also worry about post-injection soreness, allergic reactions, or the potential damage caused by frequent steroid use. These doubts and risks often make it more challenging to determine which treatment is best for your shoulder health.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we assess your condition and guide you to the safest and most effective treatment. Our doctors consider your pain level and treatment goals before recommending the best treatment option. In many cases, we combine a steroid injection with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort right away and enhance treatment results. We also provide follow-up care to track your recovery. Contact us at 855-321-6784 or visit 5500 S Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758, United States to schedule an appointment.

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